City seeks volunteers to install park equipment

Published August 1, 2012 at 1:00 pm

OAK PARK HEIGHTS — New playground equipment has been delivered to the Moelter Park site. All the city needs are volunteers willing to install the equipment.
Oak Park Heights received a $20,000 grant from KaBOOM! as part of the organization’s Playful City USA program. The program recognizes communities that encourage play and create programs that encourage children to be active, playful and healthy.
The KaBOOM! money was used to purchase the playground equipment from the organization with the stipulation that the playground must be put together by volunteers. City officials met with Xcel Energy personnel Tuesday to determine the layouts of footing and equipment.
Oak Park Heights Councilwoman Mary McComber of the city’s Parks and Planning Commission is organizing the event.
“I think that something like this brings communities together, and pride goes into the fact that this project has brought us all together to build it.” she said. “Plus, I just love to see kids have a good time.”
The Moelter Park playground site is near Beach Road and Club Tara near the walking paths between Cover Park and Club Tara. The playground is the first element in the Moelter Park development.
“It’s nice when grants come along and to see the park develop over time having capped it off to be used for park land is exciting,” McComber said. “This is just the first element and we have a concept drawing that includes space for a baseball, softball or soccer field or just leave it open for green space.”
Volunteers are needed for preparation and construction on the following dates:
n Ten volunteers are needed from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 17 for preparation work.
n Thirty-five to 40 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for construction. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Persons of all ability levels can volunteer; although persons under 15 years of age will not be able to help due to safety concerns. To sign up for this volunteer opportunity call McComber at 651-351-7879 or email her at [email protected]